Into the Mountains

Albania ATL Ministry, Part 3

The covers were soft in our beds as we woke up the next day. It had rained all night, but the sun began to shine. We were praying for good weather throughout these past couple weeks, and the Lord certainly moved here. After we had a lovely breakfast in Gjirokaster, we packed up our stuff and went back to the Old Town area. I walked to the Skenduli house, and the owner took me on a tour of his place. It’s fascinating to dive deeper into the Albanian culture, and getting to tour one of the traditional houses from the Ottoman era provided a great opportunity. Gjirokaster also has a neat landmark called the Obelisk. There are great views from the top, but it’s only accessed from a brown door and a staircase that goes through one of the surrounding buildings. After walking around in circles many times, I was able to figure out how to get there. Sometimes, persistence and determination pays off!

Soon enough, we said our goodbyes to Gjirokaster. Three of the team members went back to Permet, and Zach and I took a taxi to Sarande. We whizzed on the curvy mountain roads- yet it is these roads that connect people- and us together. Bradon, Claran, Natalie, Niecey, Josiah, and Michael welcomed us with open arms. Thus began a great time of fellowship. Sarande is a neat coastal town with buildings stacked on top of each other while overlooking the sea and a Greek island off the coast. It’s got a different feel compared to Durres. Getting to catch up (and play that game of pictionary) energized us. Some of us worshipped in the rain, and I got a prophetic word there. That word(s) is “wild side”- and I see Him unleashing this side of me for the Kingdom. It’s neat to see this play out, and I am praying about the work that He is continuing in me. Soon after, we went back across the mountains and rejoined our team in Permet.

In Permet, our apartment has a balcony overlooking the town. From the balcony, one can see switchbacks that are cut into the mountain on the far side of town. Due to a break in the weather and some free time, I decided to run to the mountain and climb it. Ever since I was a child, I loved to run and explore nature that way. My mom, dad, and sister also loves to run- I guess I just come from a running family! Yet this was one of the most spectacular runs that I did in my life. Three cute puppies greeted me as I went through Bodar Village at the base of the mountain. Beyond that, each switchback afforded even more majestic views of the mountains and looking back towards Permet. At the top, I could see in two different directions- with jagged rocks coming from the mountains. I could not help but praise the Lord- and I jammed out to some worship music as I began to make my way back down. His creation is amazing- and seeing view after view after each curve in the road reminds me of His goodness.

That night, we walked around town for ministry and stumbled into a Billiards hall. Inside was a lively scene of guys playing pool matches and chess together. We struck up conversations from a man from Greece and another guy who was Christian as well. Around an hour later, it was our turn to play. The three of us and another guy played against each other on the pool table. A crowd watched us intently as we hit the balls and the game progressed. I had never expected in my life that I would be playing pool in Albania. My family and I love to play it sometimes during family reunions, and the game has a history with us. Yet this reiterates that sometimes the most random things can turn out to be useful on the mission field overseas. It was a close match, and we congratulated one another after the match came to a close.

From here, ministry in Albania wrapped up. We packed all of our stuff and began preparations to leave the country. In this process (and as the Lord stripped away a bunch of things in my life a couple weeks back), we as a team got rid of a bunch of items. It was a significant amount of stuff that we are parting ways with as we continue our journey to the next place. After consolidating the items, we gave them away to the local church. I am praying that they can be used to further bless the people of Permet. We ate our last dinner at a local restaurant. We befriended the owner, George, while we were in Permet. We said our goodbyes and enjoyed getting to know him and his family. The next morning, we hoisted our packs- and boarded the bus to Tirana (the capitol of Albania). The mountains glided by as we went further and further north. Farewell, Albania! It’s been a neat month getting to visit and serve here!

Next, we are now at Pristina, Kosovo to serve for the month. Please continue to lift us up as we serve in Kosovo and build relationships with the people there! Pristina is the capitol of Kosovo, and there are a lot of opportunities to engage youth with the Gospel. Please pray for divine appointments and for the Lord to guide us on our next leg of the World Race!

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121: 1-2